Jonathan Wilhoite Blog: Gene Mutation Found In 18th Century Mummy

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Gene Mutation Found In 18th Century Mummy

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While many scientists believe that modern day diseases are believed to be caused by today’s lifestyle practices, a colon cancer gene mutation found in a mummy may tend to prove otherwise.

Studies conducted by researchers from Tel Aviv University claimed that they found the mutated gene called the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) from the soft tissue samples of 18^th century mummies, which is an indication that even people back then may have also been suffering the same symptoms compared to modern-day man.

Dr. Rina Rosin- Arbesfeld, head of the research team, said that their recent finding is a groundbreaking progress in the study of colorectal cancer, being one of today’s most common health problems in the United States.

The focus of their study was to also show the impacts of lifestyle practices believed to increase the risks of developing cancer due to physical inactivity, obesity and smoking , among others. Dr. Abersfeld also said that their studies show proof that colorectal cancer has a genetic background.

Tissue samples were gathered from some 265 mummies from Hungary that were exhumed from sealed crypts. These crypts were used as burial chambers for the deceased of middle class families and priests around the mid 1700’s until the late 1800’s.

The constant airflow, low temperatures and humidity of these crypts provided conditions that would allow these bodies to mummify instead of decompose and in their current state, were able to provide researchers with a glimpse of the past since their bodies have been very well-preserved and most organs were relatively intact.

The researchers claimed to have found the gene mutation in one of the mummies and said that it is not conclusive whether the mummy was prone or would develop colon cancer, but further tests need to be done and see if there are more of the mummies who possess the gene mutation.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting millions of Americans and one of the major causes is diet and poor lifestyle habits like excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking, among others.

Another intensive study revealed that colon cancer is prevalent among Americans is linked to a usual Western diet, which is low in fiber and high in fat.

So, whether it is a colon cancer gene mutation from the past or in modern times, preventive measures can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring colorectal cancer.

Image Credit: Mutation Associated With Colorectal Cancer Found In 18th Century Mummy – IFL Science

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